Syndicate: Kosovo Internet Debate

[Stephen Kovats <steve@artun.ee>]

Dear Syndicate,

there is a fax circulating, originating from the office Jan Marius
Wiersma, Dutch MEP,  which may be of interest to some of you. Here are a
few excerpts:

- a "new experiment in participatory politics"
- a series of internt debates on topical issues involving policy and
decision makers and activists from all  European countries
- the project includes a political information service, acting as a kind
of political search engine, putting you in contact with political
parties, governments, NGOs and news sources across Europe
- each month a political consultation where one may put questions to
selected politicians and receive a reply

The first "debate", on the subject of KOSOVO, and including the
participation of Michel Rocard (former French PM) began on April 6th and
continues until May 8th and is to be found under the rubrik "Speaker's
Corner" at the Website:

www.democracy-experience.org

The following is an excerpt of the intro to the online debate:

           CONFLICT PREVENTION

               AND RESOLUTION:

               THE CASE OF KOSOVO

 Intro:
 The conflict in Kosovo might well ignite part of the Balkans.
 Since the regime in Belgrade abolished the autonomy of this
 province of the former Yugoslavia, tensions with the
 Albanians have increased. On historical grounds, the Serbs
 consider Kosovo theirs. The Albanians in Kosovo want
 self-rule. Kosovo is a typical example of inter-ethnic conflict
 in the post-Cold War era.
 It is also a case for conflict prevention. A violent escalation
 in Kosovo would undoubtedly spill over to Albania and to
 Fyrom (Macedonia), where there is a large Albanian
 minority. This is why the international community is so
 active today in forcing all the parties concerned, into a
 dialogue. But will it work?




The invitation is open to anybody and everybody for comment and
invective. All languages may participate, but translation will not be
provided, so responses are only being guaranteed in English (and French
I would suppose). For more info you may contact

Campaign for Open Politics in Europe (COPE)
rue du Trone 198
B - 1050 Bruxelles
**32 2 649 4248    tel
**32 2 648 3266    fax
COPE@democracy-experience.org

or

Jan Marius Wiersma MEP (Netherlands)
Vice Pres, Dutch Labour Party
**31 70 346 7237 tel
**31 70 363 7669 fax


To date the site has received 116 hits, since being activitated on April
7th



**intertwilight netertainment services **